I have been silent for a few days, since I didn't feel like writing after my grandmother's passing away. I feel like my mood is somehow unstable, to me it is very hard to believe that I won't be able to see her again. Isn't it such an inevitable conflict that although eventually everyone dies, still it is hard to cope up with the loss of a loved one.

But don't worry, this post is not about life and death. Instead it is about the first winds of Fall reaching Color Me Loud during last week. Chanel released their Fall Collection a few days ago in the States and these will be available in Europe not before August. The collection has three nail polishes, one blush, 6 single eye shadows, 4 Coco Rouge Shines and 2 lip glosses (promo photos can be seen here). I got lucky on evil bay and I would like to show you one of the eye shadow singles today.

Chanel Ombre Essentielle #112 Pulsion

Chanel Ombre Essentielle #112 is a deep plum/aubergine with matte finish. I might be going crazy but I have seen some very sparse and fine silver glitters, which can only be noticed once it is on the eye and I was like wowed. Then I had to swatch it again and I didn't see it. I suppose those very sparse glitters were left off from blending of my recent Illusion d'Ombre eye look, hmpf.

I like seeing the single eye shadows like a concerto or a rhapsody (where a Solo Instrument stays in focus throughout the piece) while quads being, say a String Quartet and larger palettes being Symphony. Strange analogy right? Let me try to explain what I mean.

Packaging: Chanel Ombre Essentielle #112 Pulsion

To me since the singles are being sold separately, they are supposed to function alone to provide a certain look without being "combined" with other eye shadows. I would personally not invest in a single just to use on the crease or as a liner. Therefore I am a little undecided about Pulsion. On one other hand it somehow lacks a bit of complexity for me. The texture is a little dry to touch too. On the eyes though, I loved wearing it. I really liked the resulting look and the fact that it could be build upon on the crease for a defined look and sheered out on the lid for a softer look, all could be done with one eye shadow.

Chanel Ombre Essentielle #112 Pulsion

You are probably guessing that I have quiet a bit of Plums and Aubergines in my stash. I wanted to show Pulsion against some other singles I own. You can see that what I mean about Concerto when you see Chanel's Magic Night. It is such a stunner with complex shimmer and dimension. Chanel's Amethyst has gorgeous purple shimmer. Giorgio Armani's Dark Plum has very fine shimmer and a buttery texture, which I like a lot. Chanel's Pulsion on the other hand has a matte texture and is close to Laura Mercier's Violet Ink, which I like using on my crease when I wear Plums and purples.

Chanel Ombre Essentielle #112 Pulsion and similar single shades from Laura Mercier, Giorgio Armani and Chanel

Nevertheless, I loved the resulting look with Pulsion. I combined it with MAC Sculpt to contour (reviewed here) and MAC Corol to add color to the cheeks (reviewed here). I then mixed a few pink lipstick with a plum one to achieve that pink plummy lips. I am also wearing Marc Jacobs Precision Eye Liner on the eyes which was given me as a present from a dear friend (sending hugs and kisses!) and I love it. I have worn black eye liner all through my teen years and now I might get addicted again. Back to the topic though, Pulsion could be build up on the crease and could be used lighter or darker which was a nice surprise.

FOTD: Chanel Ombre Essentielle #112 Pulsion

Final thoughts: Pulsion is a matte deep plum and can be sheered out or build up and looks lovely once worn on its own despite of being a little drier to touch. Still I am not sure if it is worth shelling out 30 bucks for 2 g of a plummy matte single, one which you probably already own.

Are you ready for Fall yet or do you find this release a little too early?

Oh Sara a big virtual hug to you and your familly! Losing a loved one is never easy, I know. xoxo

I love these shades of purple but I'm not sure I would go for a matte. Now I do think this is way too early to be thinking about fall. This past winter was so long and cold, I'm concentrating on summer for now. :)

This is my first comment here and I'm sorry that such a sad occasion has prompted me to stop lurking, but I did want to let you know how very sorry I am for your loss. I hope you and your family find all the love and comfort that you could ask for in the coming weeks and months.

Thank you for sending me those hugs & kisses, Sara.... here are a 100x more!! I'm glad you had some rest to reset, and wonderful seeing you back in action.

I never really got the hang of singles... i always feel like i need something just a bit more. So yes, I get your analogy about soloists in an orchestra! It's alot of money to shell out for another matte plum / liner / crease shade. I'm eyeing the Fall quad instead! :*